Giver of Hope!

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

    It is unfortunate that I write these words coincidentally and coinsiding with another school shooting. Unfortunate as lives have been lost, school communities shaken, and those that are now left behind to grapple with the effects of gun murder. I have written about school shootings before, especially with the  associations of trauma. But I was inclined to write further after reading more about the topic. In some cases: once someone has experienced a form of trauma, it will take a while to heal. Engage is some strategies, coping techniques and all will be patched up - healed. Depending on situation, it maybe the case, but when we are talking about gun murder, witnessing crime, earthquakes, natural disasters, wars, terrorism, or any kinds of crime and abuses, the protective layers; the protective shield that we possess becomes shattered (Crenshaw, 2006). An example of a protective layer could be demonstrated as a child or teen, who witnesses crime. Or watches a parent being attacked as a child. The emotions / memory  of excruciating pain will continue to re-surface as memories are ignited; thus the protective layer i.e: one's innocence becomes exposed. The capacity of these emotions, to mobilize or immobilize us, can have profound effects upon us as we move through the years (Van Der Kolk, 2003). 


     This is why even as we honor, thank, remember, teach about the importance of honoring veterans, service members, past and present, and even those in the future - we must be respectful. As we honor the profound amount of suffering of the human body and spirit. When there is disrespect to the persons body and spirit, there is the rupture of self, personal integrity. Sometimes it is also important for the ones who suffered / possess an invisible / physical illness, that is the source for trauma to remember: whilst we can't get understanding from everyone, we ourselves must find that courage from within. Trauma has the ability to affect our action and in-action at the neurobiological levels, causing disruption to our bodily homeostasis - linking the effects of physical and psychological health. 

    The following points are some recommendations and characteristics for trauma survivors who; once exposed will most likely, always live in a state of "anticipatory anxiety" (Crenshaw, 2006). 

*Physical helplessness in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
*Immobilizing emotions of trauma conditions "frozen inaction" (Van Der Kolk, 2003)
*Physical action is maybe a pre-requisite for recovery from PTSD.
*Trauma survivors needs to feel empowered to take physical actions
*Facilitation of hope is a necessary especially for those who have / are suffering from the devastating effects of trauma. (2003 & 2006) 

Personal Observation
Whilst I believe that love is the ultimate healer, not everyone will be blessed with the healing from unconditional love. Which is why it is important to work with professionals, caring individuals / teams. What we could just call professional healers who can facilitate hope, the once again belief in humankind.

Dedication:
These words are dedicated to the school community, parents and guardians, who have suffered from the recent events in Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California, and the death of 9 Americans who were killed in the Mexico ambush. We continue to pray for healing and unity. 

Related Reading:
*The Times of Israel | At least 9 American Mormons killed in ambush in notorious drug area in Mexico.

*The New York Times | Santa Clarita Shooting Is Another Nightmare Made Real.

References:
Crenshaw, D. (2006). Neuroscience and Trauma Treatment: Implication for Creative Arts Therapists in Carey, L (Eds), Expressive and Creative Arts Methods for Trauma Survivors (pp. 21-38). Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 

van der Kolk, B. A. (2003a). The neurobiology of childhood trauma and abuse. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics in North America, 12, 293 - 265.

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 15th, 2019.
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